Charms and Symbols

Cornerstone¹   Even buildings made of steel and glass usually have a cornerstone, often engraved with the date construction began. It is a talisman² intended to bring luck not only during construction, but throughout the life of the building. The custom has its origins in prehistoric times, when it was believed the gods must be compensated³ for the land a structure occupies. Originally a sacrifice, often human, was offered, but eventually it became common to put money or other valuables inside or under the first stone laid.

注释：

1. cornerstone [5kC:nEstEun] n. 奠基石，基石

2. talisman [5tAlizmEn] n. 驱邪物，护（身）符

3. compensate [5kCmpenseit] vt. 补偿，赔偿

护身符和象征

奠基石   建筑物一般都有奠基石，就连钢和玻璃结构的建筑物也有，上面通常刻有开工日期。奠基石是一种辟邪物，是为了给建筑在施工期间，乃至在建筑物的整个寿命期间带来好运。这一习俗起源于史前时期，那时有种迷信说因为建筑要占地，必须给土地诸神以补偿。最初是祭神，通常是用活人作祭品，但最终通行的办法是把钱或其他有价值的东西搁在铺下的第一块石头里或底下。